Death

For years I looked forward to the fourth of July for the food, fun and lit up night sky. The sound of birds chirping, flags flapping in the breeze, and squeals from squirt gun fights. Little ones entranced with the marvel of holding sparklers while simultaneously feeling anxious at the gradual procession of flame down the wand toward their chubby fingers. The air smelling of seared meat, citronella, sunscreen, burnt matches, cut grass, and sweaty kids; a marvelous concoction that can lour even ...

I am a nurse. I had always thought I wanted to work in Labor and Delivery. What a blessing to see life begin with all the hopes and promises. Even in the worst of situations, a birth lends beauty and a breath of heaven. Tiny fingers, brand new sounds and cries, babes who make quirky movements and gestures as they learn to live outside of their warm, watery womb. The almost instantaneous change in some moms and dads as they look upon their child's face for the first time, and realize that living ...